Thomas Galvin Scanlon Jr, 83, passed away April 14, 2019 at his home in Leawood, Kansas.
Born on January 11, 1936 in Des Moines, Iowa to Thomas and Elfrieda Scanlon, he was a graduate of Rockhurst High School and earned degrees in History and Philosophy from St. Louis University. He spent seven years in the Jesuit seminary before beginning a career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing for Sandoz in California. This career suited him better than that of a priest! His social skills and savvy intellect were the perfect fit for the job where he consistently ranked number one in sales performance and was honored for his marketing contributions. He was recruited by World Airlines and moved to San Francisco, where as director of sales and marketing, he negotiated the largest air/tourism contract in aviation history at the time. Tom was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing for Standard Airlines, where he took great pride in being the youngest corporate airline vice president in the industry.
Tom’s success on the West Coast gave him the confidence to move his young family back to his hometown, Kansas City, where he begin a new career in real estate with J.C. Nichols. He often ranked in the top 1% of all Realtors in personal production in the metro area. He spent many years with J.C. Nichols but later worked for other brokers, most recently Platinum Realty in Overland Park. His biggest thrill was working with first-time home buyers and young couples as they began new chapters in their lives. Many of them became close friends, which meant the world to him.
Tom was well known for his sense of humor and compassion for people suffering, particularly with cancer and addiction. These qualities, combined with his personal experience, made him an endearing volunteer. As a two-time cancer survivor, he volunteered for Hospice House of KC and at various support groups for head and neck cancer survivors. Tom was open about his struggle with alcoholism and compassionate about the impact addiction has on others. He was an active AA sponsor proud of his 30+ years of sobriety. His fighting spirit and determination to recover from whatever was in front of him inspired many.
An avid reader and a passionate student, Tom loved to learn. His many hobbies reflect his passion for knowledge. He loved history, golf, tennis and spending time outdoors, especially in a cabin by a creek where he could write. He loved music and played piano, guitar and banjo by ear. His children have wonderful memories of their parents hosting parties with friends who would sing until the wee hours. Tom had a beautiful voice and performed in several musicals around town, his favorite being The Music Man with his daughter Katie.
He shared his love of nature with his grandchildren and enjoyed walks around the park near his home. He loved watching his grandchildren at their sporting events and was an enthusiastic cheerleader from the sidelines. A lifelong Democrat, he volunteered on many campaigns and enjoyed spirited debates with anyone willing to engage.
His father, Thomas Galvin Scanlon Sr., mother, Elfrieda Carroll Scanlon, brother, Jerry Scanlon, and grandson, Brody Williams, preceded him in death. He leaves behind his daughters, Molly Scanlon, Amy Taitt and Katie Williams (Mitch), and his sons Tom Scanlon (Diane), Steve Scanlon and Kerry Scanlon (Teri) and his sister Sue Scanlon Dunphy. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was happy to be an important part of their lives.
Tom was always in search of answers. His family finds peace in the fact that he is in the loving arms of his mother, who he adored, and in the light of his creator, who is full of the love and answers Tom sought.
An open house will take place, Saturday, April 20 at the home of Teri and Kerry Scanlon from 1-4 pm, with a Celebration of Life at 3:00 pm.
Tom’s family greatly appreciates the outpouring of love and kindness since his death. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations be made to KC Hospice and Palliative Care, 10100 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212 or The Conservation Fund, 1655, N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22209.
